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THE Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) is calling for Budget 2027 to address the growing shortage of doctors, specialists and nurses, warning that the loss of healthcare workers is placing increasing strain on the public health system.
MMA president Dr L Sivanaesan said the country was short of almost 11,000 specialists, while about 18% of nursing posts remained vacant.
He said 3,494 doctors left the Health Ministry between 2019 and 2023, including 2,385 permanent medical officers and 1,109 specialists.
“Resignations among specialists increased by 57% during that period, while the rate of filled positions fell from 96% to 83%.
“Every vacant post adds to the pressure on an already stretched workforce and risks weakening the capacity of the public healthcare system,” he said in a statement ahead of Budget 2027 today.
Sivanaesan said the loss of an experienced specialist also meant the loss of years of clinical experience and institutional knowledge, as well as the ability to train, supervise and mentor younger doctors.
MMA wants previous service under the contract scheme to be taken into account when determining years of service and salary progression.
“Doctors should not lose valuable years of service and career advancement opportunities simply because they entered the system through a contract scheme,” he said.
The association proposed a transparent, merit-based pathway for experienced specialists to progress to Special Grade or Premier Grade C after at least five years of satisfactory service following gazettement.
It said promotions should not be automatic, but based on an assessment comprising 80% objective and measurable criteria and 20% structured professional evaluation.
Sivanaesan said every doctor recognised as a medical consultant specialist should undergo a formal promotion assessment by the 10th year after gazettement, with the decision and reasons clearly communicated.
A similar pathway should also be established for recognised subspecialists, he said.
MMA is also calling for a review of policies it says are making it harder for doctors and specialists to build sustainable careers in the public healthcare system.
Among its proposals are a review of the requirement for doctors to complete three consecutive LNPT assessments before undertaking subspecialty training, adequate Training Reserve posts and payment of specialist allowances from the date of gazettement.
The association also wants fair on-call rates for doctors carrying out specialist duties and the previous Bayaran Insentif Wilayah (BIW) rates to be retained for healthcare workers serving in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan.
Working arrangements should also be aligned with the 45-hour weekly standard under the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA), including guaranteed rest after 24 hours of continuous duty, Sivanaesan said.
On the Flying Doctor Service (FDS), he called for increased funding to cover maintenance and ensure the service remains sustainable, including its equipment, aircraft support and operational needs.
He also urged the government to review the allowances paid to FDS personnel, saying they should better reflect the duties and responsibilities involved.
“The allowance has not been reviewed since 1978, and it is time for it to receive due attention,” he said.
Sivanaesan said Budget 2027 should also put more money into primary healthcare and prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Early detection and management of diabetes, hypertension and other NCDs could prevent costly complications and reduce pressure on hospitals, he said.
“We need to invest more in prevention so people remain healthy instead of continuing to bear higher costs treating diseases that could have been prevented,” he said.
MMA also proposed the creation of a Private Healthcare Development Division under the Health Ministry to develop and coordinate the private healthcare sector, alongside the regulatory role of the Medical Practice Division (CKAPS).
The association said private primary healthcare should be an early priority, with more than 11,000 GP clinics potentially available to support national health programmes.
It also proposed RM10 million to digitise CKAPS registration and licensing through a single online platform.
Sivanaesan acknowledged the government’s fiscal constraints but said workforce retention could no longer be treated as a long-term aspiration when shortages were already affecting the healthcare system.
“Malaysia has made a significant investment in training its healthcare professionals. The priority now is to ensure they remain in the system,” he said. – October 2, 2026
